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In Texas, some are considering whether it makes sense to buy a hybrid, but even if they do, they will probably still hang onto the truck. (http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=6472293)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Honda_Civic.jpgLindsay Wilcox - KLTV - May 5, 2007

The basic Honda Civic with a gas engine starts around $15k and receives a combined average of 35 MPG. The loaded hybrid costs about $23k and receives 50 MPG.

Tony Ray is a self-proclaimed 'truck man' who can't believe he's considering a hybrid.

"It was $70 to fill my truck, and that made me think maybe I need to look around for something else," says Ray.

It's an inevitable trend dealers see every time gas prices start climbing, but they warn a hybrid is not right for everyone.

Andrew Bertrand with Classic Toyota says, "They rush in here, and they want to bail out of the Tahoes and the other gas guzzling vehicles, and they want to go into a vehicle like this [Prius]. The drawback that you find is that they don't drive enough miles to justify going into a car like this."

Unlike gas cars, hybrids are most fuel efficient in-town, so people with long, highway commutes may be disappointed with fuel savings. Plus, they're about three to four thousand dollars more than their gas engine counterparts … http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=6472293

Pfft. Like Hybrids are worth it. :rolleyes: :flag:

I know the truth, I read these articles! That's why I done get me one of dem dar Magic SUV's! It look like a regular car, but it magic! It uses half the fuel!

Whatever, they can still get better gas mileage than any compact car on the highway as long they aren't trying to go 75 mph. And even if they don't drive a whole lot they still save money in the long run. The return just takes longer to get.

" The drawback that you find is that they don't drive enough miles to justify going into a car like this."


Most people don't seem to have a problem justifying 3 to 4 thousand dollars worth of mostly superfluous options packages when buying a new vehicle. Yet when looking for a new hybrid vehicle, they suddenly become practical and analytical.

Well, my neighbor takes her car, pick-up another neighbor, drive 2 miles, go get the train together, go downtown and comback together at the afternoon. She certainly consumes 1/10 (1/20 together) of the fuel I consume with my hybrid in a week. Therefore, no the hybrid is not always a must. But yes, there are thousands and thousands of other cases where "an hybrid is not appropriate for me" will be denial.

Pierre

The fact that there is a story on hybrids at all in Longview, TX is progress in and of itself :)

The fact that there is a story on hybrids at all in Longview, TX is progress in and of itself :)

I was thinking the same thing myself! kevin